🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mitsubishi

Model:

Colt / Lancer

Model Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Chassis Codes:

CJ1A, CJ2A, CJ4A, CJ5A (Colt), CB, CC, CD, CE (Lancer)

Platform Generation:

Mitsubishi E-Platform (Colt), Mitsubishi CC Platform (Lancer)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Subcompact to Compact car segment, depending on specific Colt/Lancer variant.

Target Demographic:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, practical individuals seeking reliable and economical transportation.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Mazda 323/Familia.

Dvp Appeal:

Known for affordability, fuel efficiency, and a generally robust mechanical design, making it a popular choice for DIY repairs.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicles, reducing reliance on costly professional services.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar e-book format for DIY repair)

Intended Audience:

DIY Mechanics, Home Mechanics, Professional Technicians

Page Count:

Comprehensive, likely hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implied by 'complete & Informative')

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear), wheels, tires

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, ignition system, sensors, ECUs, wiring diagrams

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seats, HVAC system

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions

Refurbish:

Procedures for restoring worn or damaged components and systems

Alignment Specs:

Wheel alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe) for various models and suspension setups.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, minor repairs, major overhauls, and advanced diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Includes torque specifications, clearance measurements, diagnostic flowcharts, and exploded views.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts to diagnose common problems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

Searchable text, printable pages, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF format for quick access to information.

Diagram Quality:

Clear, detailed, and accurate diagrams and illustrations for all procedures.

Illustration Clarity:

High-quality illustrations and diagrams that clearly depict repair procedures and component identification.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format implies no physical binding)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital format implies no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

4G1x (e.g., 4G13, 4G15), 4G9x (e.g., 4G92, 4G93)

Common Displacements:

1.3L (1300cc), 1.5L (1500cc), 1.6L (1600cc), 1.8L (1800cc)

Cylinder Configuration:

Inline-4 (I4)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75 hp to 130 hp, depending on engine and market variant.

Torque Range:

Approximately 110 Nm to 170 Nm.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), some earlier models may have carbureted variants.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), typically 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder).

Compression Ratios:

Varies by engine variant, typically ranging from 8.5:1 to 10.0:1.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Types:

4-speed manual, 5-speed manual (e.g., KM132, W5MG1)

Automatic Transmission Types:

3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic (e.g., F3A, F4A22)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some Lancer variants (e.g., Lancer Evolution models, though this manual likely focuses on standard models).

Clutch Type:

Single dry-plate clutch for manual transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-3 or GL-4 (for manual transmissions), ATF SP-II or equivalent (for automatics) - specific type should be confirmed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door hatchback (Colt), 4-door sedan (Colt/Lancer), 5-door hatchback (Colt/Lancer), 5-door wagon (Lancer)

Wheelbase Range:

Approximately 2440 mm to 2500 mm, varying by body style and generation.

Track Width:

Varies by model and trim, specific figures would be in the manual.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 950 kg to 1200 kg, depending on body style, engine, and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 1500 kg to 1700 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

Varies by market and specific model year. Early 90s vehicles generally had less advanced safety structures than later models. NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this period would be model-specific.

Available Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or as an option. Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes are common.

Standard Features:

Seatbelts (3-point front, 2-point rear or 3-point rear depending on year/market), crumple zones, side-impact door beams.

Optional Features:

Driver-side airbag was an option on many models, passenger airbags were rare in this era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Basic speaker systems.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Advanced Features:

Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary advanced driver assistance feature available on some models.

Connectivity Options:

No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity from the factory. Aftermarket head unit installation is common for modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,500 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult manual for specifics.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for interference engines. Intervals typically range from 80,000 to 120,000 km (50,000 to 75,000 miles). Engine damage can occur if not replaced.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Commonly SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 for gasoline engines. API SJ or higher classification recommended. Specifics in manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type (e.g., green or orange).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Always use fresh fluid from a sealed container.

Engine:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, occasional carbon buildup on intake valves in higher mileage examples, radiator leaks.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission solenoid issues, clutch wear on manual transmissions. Synchro wear on manual gearboxes, particularly reverse.

Suspension Steering:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Power steering pump leaks can occur.

Electrical:

Alternator failure, starter motor issues, corrosion on electrical connectors, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

Body:

Rust development, particularly in wheel arches, rocker panels, and door bottoms, depending on climate and rustproofing.

📚 Vehicle History

Mitsubishi Motors Context:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a history of producing reliable and technologically relevant vehicles.

Colt Lineage:

The Colt nameplate has a long history with Mitsubishi, often used for their smaller, more economical models, including rebadged models for other manufacturers.

Lancer Lineage:

The Lancer is a more globally recognized model, known for its versatility and its performance variants (Lancer Evolution), though standard models are mass-market sedans and hatchbacks.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with significant production in other global facilities, including Australia and the United States (for certain Lancer generations).

Evolution During Period:

This period covers several key evolutions of the Lancer platform (e.g., CC and CE generations) and significant updates to the Colt models.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for base Colt/Lancer models from this era are less prominent than for performance variants, Mitsubishi vehicles of this period were generally recognized for reliability and value.

Consumer Reports Mentions:

Models from this era often received average to above-average reliability ratings in consumer reports, particularly for drivetrain components.

Certification Status:

Standard manufacturing certifications (e.g., ISO) would apply to the production facilities.